Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

The honest review

Andaz Maui at Wailea opened in 2013 as Hyatt's design-forward boutique-lifestyle Hawaiian property. The structural advantage vs. larger Wailea resorts: smaller scale (290 rooms vs Grand Wailea's 776), more refined adult-friendly aesthetic, and a quieter pool deck atmosphere. The trade: less kids programming density and fewer pool zones.

Mokapu Beach location is the structural advantage. Andaz sits on the southernmost stretch of Wailea's beach path, which gets less foot traffic than the Grand Wailea/Four Seasons stretch to the north. Mokapu is one of Maui's best-rated calm-water snorkeling beaches, protected coves with reef fish visible from shore, gentle wave action even in winter.

The four-tier infinity pool is the kid headline. Cascading waterfalls connect the tiers; bottom-tier pool is family-focused with kid splash zone; upper tiers are quieter and adult-friendly. Total wet acreage is smaller than Grand Wailea but the multi-level design photographs as one of the most striking pool layouts in Hawaii. Kid splash zone is gentler than thrill-slide alternatives elsewhere on Maui.

Andaz Pono Kids (ages 5-12) runs daily 9am-3pm with Hawaiian cultural focus ($85/day with lunch). Programming includes Hawaiian language sessions (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi basics), lei-making with real native flowers, ukulele intro, hula intro, taro plant education, and traditional storytelling sessions led by Native Hawaiian counselors. Strong cultural depth, kids 8+ get real exposure to Hawaiian identity, not just tourist surface.

Daily Hawaiian cultural classes (open to all guests, not just kids) include lei-making, ukulele basics, hula intro, and traditional weaving. Parents can join their kids in these sessions. This shared programming creates family memory anchors that nothing else on Wailea provides.

Food is exceptional. Morimoto Maui (collaboration with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto) is the headline. Pacific Rim cuisine, reservations 60+ days out for sunset slots. Bumbye Beach Bar handles casual beachfront lunch. Mokapu Market is the breakfast and quick-lunch spot. Ka'ana Kitchen runs all-day Hawaiian-inspired dining with daily-changing menus.

ʻAwili Spa is one of the better Hawaii resort spas — 14 treatment rooms with outdoor hales (cabanas), hydrotherapy circuit, and dedicated couples suites. Treatments use Hawaiian-sourced ingredients (kukui nut oil, native plant infusions).

World of Hyatt loyalty integration matters. Kids stay free in parent's room, points-earning is solid, and the property is bookable with Hyatt points (typically 30,000-45,000 points/night).

Where it loses points: pricing is real ($895+/night standard). The kids club is smaller than Grand Wailea or Grand Hyatt Kauai. The smaller scale means less variety, only 5 restaurants vs Grand Wailea's 8+, only one pool vs multiple separate pool zones. For families specifically wanting maximum pool variety + kid amenities, Grand Wailea (in our directory) is the better pick. For families wanting refined Hawaii adult-friendly aesthetic + cultural programming + Wailea location + Hyatt loyalty, Andaz is the right call.

For families specifically deciding among Maui resorts: Grand Wailea (biggest pool complex + maximum amenities), Fairmont Kea Lani (suite-style accommodations + Wailea), Four Seasons Maui (refined service + Wailea), Andaz Maui (design + cultural programming + Hyatt loyalty), Hyatt Regency Maui (Kaanapali side, lower price tier). Andaz wins for families that prioritize Hawaiian cultural depth + refined aesthetic over maximum amenities.